Middle East

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Islamic militancy

Syrian conflict

Shopkeepers and traders protest in the street against the economic conditions and Iran’s embattled currency, in Tehran on Monday. On Tuesday, protests erupted at 10 universities across the country. Photo: Fars News Agency / AFP

Iranian students join protests in Tehran over soaring cost of living

The student action came a day after protests by shopkeepers and before the temporary closure of banks, schools and businesses to save energy.

4 hours ago

UAE to withdraw forces from Yemen after Saudi ultimatum over air strike

4 hours ago

Israel-Gaza war

Israel to ban aid groups from Gaza in 2026 over vetting rules

30 Dec 2025 - 11:40PM

Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen port over weapons shipment and warns UAE

Riyadh targets weaponry in Mukalla as tensions between Gulf allies strain over separatist advances in Yemen.

30 Dec 2025 - 9:11PM

Damaged military vehicles, reportedly sent by the United Arab Emirates to support Southern Transitional Council separatist forces, following an air strike carried out by the Saudi-led coalition in the port of Mukalla, southern Yemen. Photo: AFP

Made in China 2025

Chinese firms flock to Dubai free zones to navigate trade barriers, expand reach

JD.com, CNBM, carmakers and hundreds of other Chinese companies use the hub to reach consumers across Asia, Africa and Europe.

30 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM

‘Hell to pay’: Trump warns Hamas and Iran after talks with Netanyahu

Trump presses for Hamas disarmament in Gaza, warns Iran of further US action if it reconstitutes nuclear programme.

30 Dec 2025 - 4:49PM

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Israeli president denies Trump claim Netanyahu pardon is ‘on its way’

Trump renews his call on Israel’s president to grant ally Netanyahu, who is in the midst of a corruption trial, a pardon.

30 Dec 2025 - 1:19PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: AFP

Iran’s president urges dialogue as currency plunge sparks protests

Anger over Iran’s worsening economic situation pushes people onto the streets in Tehran and other cities.

30 Dec 2025 - 4:19PM

Israel-Gaza war

Trump and Netanyahu to discuss next phase of Gaza plan during US visit

Israel’s prime minister is making his fifth visit to see Trump in the United States this year.

29 Dec 2025 - 4:29PM

Sectarian tensions flare and turn deadly in Syria after mosque bombing

Clashes erupt between protesters from the Alawite religious minority and counterdemonstrators after a mosque attack in Homs.

29 Dec 2025 - 12:40PM

A crowd looks on as security forces are deployed after clashes erupted during a protest by members of the Alawite community in the city of Latakia, Syria on Sunday. Photo: EPA

Iran launches 3 satellites into space from Russia

Iran’s space programme and related entities have been targeted by US sanctions, but Iran insists the satellites are intended for ‘observation’.

29 Dec 2025 - 12:31PM

A rocket blasts off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia on Sunday. Photo: Roscosmos via AFP

Israel-Gaza war

Israel seals off Palestinian village in West Bank after deadly attack

The army imposed a lockdown on Qabatiya after a local resident killed a 68-year-old man and an 18-year-old girl in northern Israel on Friday.

28 Dec 2025 - 5:55AM

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland enrages Somalia, African Union

Several other countries also condemned Israel’s decision and Trump stated his opposition to US recognition of the breakaway state.

27 Dec 2025 - 10:14AM

Blast in Syria kills 8 at mosque targeting Alawite minority in Homs

Authorities investigate explosive devices planted during Friday prayers, heightening sectarian tensions and fears among minorities.

27 Dec 2025 - 12:45AMvideocam

The aftermath of the explosion inside Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs. Photo: SANA/AFP

Israel’s rising air defence sales become its ‘most potent’ foreign policy weapon

With more countries increasingly turning to Israel for their air defence systems, they cannot afford to isolate the Middle East power.

26 Dec 2025 - 2:34PM

Flags flutter in front of the Arrow 3 air defence system in Annaburg, Germany. Photo: Reuters

Israel-Gaza war

Bethlehem celebrates first festive Christmas since Gaza war

After two years of cancelled festivities, the ‘City of the Nativity’ revives its iconic parades and tree lighting as a fragile truce holds in Gaza.

25 Dec 2025 - 10:59AM

Iran and Gaza plan to top agenda for Netanyahu-Trump meeting

The Israeli prime minister is set to visit Washington to discuss the next phase of Trump’s Gaza plan with his key US ally.

23 Dec 2025 - 1:18PM

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Ex-Israeli PM calls for Netanyahu’s resignation over ‘Qatargate’ affair

Naftali Bennett accuses the premier’s office of ‘treason’, alleging aides acted as paid agents for Qatar during wartime.

23 Dec 2025 - 1:46PM

Naftali Bennett and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: AFP

Jews worldwide urged to ‘come home’ to Israel after Bondi massacre

Gideon Saar says ‘Jews are being hunted across the world’ following the December 14 Isis-inspired shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia.

22 Dec 2025 - 10:40AM

Macron announces new aircraft carrier for France

Replacing the Charles de Gaulle by 2038, the nuclear-powered vessel will be far larger than the current flagship.

22 Dec 2025 - 1:44PMvideocam

No phones and cameras: inside Saudi’s discreet expansion of booze sales

The kingdom’s only outlet that sells liquor has expanded access to rich expatriates, marking a bold shift in Riyadh’s social policies.

21 Dec 2025 - 3:26PMvideocam

Festivalgoers gather near a booth serving non-alcoholic beer during the Soundstorm music festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 11. Photo: AP

Israel-Gaza war

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices in Bethlehem as peace returns to Gaza

Palestinians are flocking again to Manger Square, bringing much-needed revenue to the city after two years of fighting.

20 Dec 2025 - 3:33PMvideocam

Women pose for a picture in Manger Square in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Israel-Iran conflict

Man executed in Iran for spying for Israel tortured to confess: rights group

The 27-year-old, arrested while taking pictures of a military headquarters, was accused of executing over 200 similar assignments for Mossad.

20 Dec 2025 - 2:57PM

US strikes at Isis fighters in Syria after 3 Americans killed

At least five Isis members were killed in a ‘large-scale’ strike hitting 70 Isis targets across central Syria.

20 Dec 2025 - 6:46PM

Israel-Gaza war

UN declares Gaza famine over, but ‘situation remains critical’

Meanwhile, Oxfam says hunger in Gaza remains ‘appalling and preventable’, accusing Israel of blocking aid from humanitarian agencies.

19 Dec 2025 - 10:36PM

Displaced Palestinians gather to collect portions of cooked food at a charity distribution in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip in May. Photo: TNS

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